Let our local experts guide you through a handpicked selection of things to do on a private tour. Think hidden gems, insider stories, and all the local vibes. Ready to find your private tour of Kyoto? Your adventure-packed day is just one click away!
Top 10 tours in Kyoto
Make your stay in Kyoto complete with these things to do
1
Choose your favorite local
The 10 Tastings of Kyoto: Street Food
146 reviews
3 hours | Food tours | Kyoto
Ready to taste the best food in Kyoto? Satisfy your cravings for local food and culture with highlights along the way, together with a foodie host. Enjoy 10 delicious and typical tastings that range from sweet to savory as well as drinks on a tasty food tour in Kyoto.
Welcome to Kyoto! Want to know the best places to eat? Cool events in town? Which places to go to and which to avoid? Or simply get some help to navigate the city? Book this private tour with a local and get the perfect introduction to Kyoto to start your city trip on the right foot.
Ready for a jam-packed tour, full of history, culture, stories, and sights? Checkmark from your travel bucket list all your must-sees of Kyoto, because if there’s a Withlocals tour that shows you all the city's ins and outs, it’s this complete and personalized tour of Kyoto.
Enjoy the freedom of exploring Kyoto on a bike tour with a local. Cover more ground, take scenic routes, and cycle through main spots like the Philosopher's path and Gion Area. Take in the views as you bike through the city in a safe and fun way, and hear fascinating stories at every stop along the way!
Want to see the best of Kyoto? We got you covered. But as you can expect from a Withlocals experience, the real excitement is its hidden gems. Join your favorite local and get a feeling of the city's real vibe on a tour that has it all, so you can say: I experienced the real Kyoto!
You’ve probably heard that Kyoto is well-known for its Geishas and Traditions, but do you know the stories and origin behind it? Or how much influence it has on the locals daily life? On this private city tour, you are in for a cultural treat!
Make your trip a wholesome experience by seeing what other cities outside of Kyoto have to offer. On this private day trip, you don’t need to worry about anything! Follow your local host to Nara and be back in Kyoto the same day but with more unforgettable experiences than before.
Imagine this: a scenic road trip from Kyoto to explore Arashiyama with stops along the way to discover viewpoints, villages, incredible nature, and cultural gems. Sounds like a dream? No, it’s possible on a Withlocals day trip with a local host leading the way!
Did you know that the Kyoto tour of your dreams exists? Yes, and it’s 100% personalized and created by your local host around your interests. Customize and see only the places that spark your interest. From classic landmarks to neighborhood walks - your wishes are our command!
Explore the Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle with a Local
496 reviews
3 hours | | Kyoto
With your local host, trace Kyoto’s power corridors—from the shogun’s ornate Nijo Castle to the calm avenues of the Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gyoen)—with clear stories, easy pacing, and photo-friendly stops
"We spent three hours in Kyoto with Ted as our guide, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our visit. Ted has a deep knowledge of Japan’s history and culture, and he explains it in a clear and engaging way that never feels academic or overwhelming.
He walked us through Kyoto’s past and traditions, talking about geishas, Kabuki theater, Buddhism, Shintoism, and how all of this still shapes daily life today. He also took us to quieter places, away from the crowds, which made the experience feel more real and special—especially in a city where tourism can feel quite intense.
Ted treats both the culture and the people he guides with real respect. He is easy to talk to, thoughtful, and genuinely enjoyable to spend time with. The tour felt personal, not scripted, and we never felt rushed.
We would recommend Ted without hesitation. If we return to Kyoto, we would gladly spend time with him again, and we would suggest him to anyone who wants to understand the city beyond the surface."
Curtis and AnaAbout local YoshihiroKyoto, December 6, 2025
5.0
Fantastic guide and a great tour.
"Yoshihiro (“Ted”) was absolutely fantastic. He is so kind and gentle, and extremely well informed. He gave us a great 3 hour tour of some of the best spots of Kyoto - but equally ones where there weren’t so many crowds. He told us the history and background, but also about current and local topics. Before the trip he sent me other suggestions for things we might like to book in advance, and after the trip he continued to give us advice and travel tips. He was the best guide we have had in Japan, I cannot thank him enough. A truly lovely man. "
PatrickAbout local YoshihiroKyoto, December 2, 2025
5.0
Kind and generous guide!
"The Treasures of Kyoto: Geishas and Traditions Tour with Ted was the ideal start to my first time in Kyoto. In just a short time, I learned more than hours of pre-trip Googling ever taught me.
Ted also did me the huge favor of steering me clear of the classic tourist traps — thank you, truly — and later sent me a bunch of personalized recommendations based on what I was interested in. He even checked in during my trip to make sure I was doing okay. Who does that? Someone extremely kind and generous who cares about making your trip to Kyoto as memorable as can be.
Ted is kind, generous, and genuinely passionate about sharing Kyoto in an authentic way. If you want a guide who goes above and beyond, book him."
"Great guide, highly recommended great knowledge of everything
I am so glad to have had Se Adrian as my guide "
MichelAbout local SebastianKyoto, November 24, 2025
5.0
Always better wirh a local!
"Eiji was a delightful guide and very easy to work with. He shifted course for us when the crowds became too much for our taste. Gave us nice insight into Kyoto life."
"My teenage son and I had an 8 hour day with Guia exploring Kyoto yesterday and it was everything I hoped it would be! Guia is an exceptional guide - warm, friendly, knowledgeable and easily adapted the day to best suit us. It was such a relief to be able to relax and let her guide us, knowing we were in such safe hands. It really felt like being shown around by a friend - who knew her stuff! Thank you Guia we really appreciated you going that extra mile for us and also sharing your stories - really special!❤️"
"We booked the street food tour with Guia and it was one of the highlights of our trip to Kyoto. Before our travels I reached out to her a few times with questions and she was always very prompt and helpful. When we met her in person, we immediately felt comfortable…like we were meeting a friend that was showing us the town! She has a great, relaxed and cheerful personality and took us to some hidden gems that we would not have found on our own. It wasn’t a “one size fits all” tour. She completely customized stops based on what we were in the mood for. Highly recommend this tour with Guia."
"Eiji was interesting, engaging and a super photographer. He is a very easygoing person to be with as well as being flexible with the elements of the tour - we chose the three hour Highlights and Hidden Gems. He showed us details which we would definitely not have noticed on our own and explained everything very well. Not only did we have a lovely time with him, learning on the way, he also took lots of photographs which he sent on later giving us the perfect memories of the day. Domo arigato, Eiji!"
"My son and I had a wonderful tour with Eiji. He showed us beautiful places is Kyoto that we wouldn’t have found on our own, and had great suggestions for off the beaten path things to do. "
"We had an absolutely fantastic experience with Ryuki. From the moment we met him, he was warm, gracious, and genuinely attentive to what we wanted from the day. He’s clearly a very hard worker and went above and beyond to give us a perfectly paced “expedited” tour that still managed to feel relaxed and comprehensive, never rushed.
He also has a great eye for fun and flattering photos — he suggested creative angles and poses, handled all the logistics, and captured memories we never would have gotten on our own. Throughout the tour, he was patient, kind, and easy to talk to, which made the entire experience feel effortless and enjoyable.
We would highly recommend Ryuki to anyone looking for a personable, professional guide who truly cares about his guests and their experience."
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
Tailored to your wishes
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
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Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
Private & Personalized Tours in Kyoto with a Local
When you hit the road and land in a new city like Kyoto, there's an exciting way to dive into its soul: personalized local tours. Forget the typical touristy routes – these tours are like having a local friend show you around all the cool spots.
Imagine having someone who lives and breathes Kyoto spill its secrets. That's what local guides bring to the table. They know the hidden alleys, the best bites, and stories that never made it to the guidebooks. Whether you're into munching through food tours, wandering the city's streets, or going off the beaten path, a local guide hooks you up with a private tour that's authentically Kyoto.
The best part? These tours are all about you. No herding in big groups or rushing through places you're not interested in. With private tours, you're the boss. Whether it's snapping pics at iconic landmarks, diving into history, or checking out the art scene, the tour is tuned to your vibes at your tempo.
But it doesn't stop at city limits. Day trips let you escape the urban jungle and explore nearby wonders. And if you're just setting foot in Kyoto, kickstart tours give you a taste of everything. Think of it as a crash course in Kyoto awesomeness, guided by a local who knows the city like the back of their hand.
So, next time you're in Kyoto, ditch the ordinary. Grab a local tour and unlock the city's real magic – the stories, flavors, and places that make it uniquely Kyoto. Get ready to explore like a local!
Choose your favorite local
Choose your favorite local
Choose your favorite local
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